Appearing is appearing. Disappearing is disappearing. But the Diamond Sutra says, ?All things are like a dream, a phantom, a bubble.? So what is it that could possibly appear or disappear?

KATZ!

Together we are on Kye Ryong Sahn at Mu Sang Sa on April 15, 2001.

This world is always changing, changing, changing. If we stay stuck in our dream of self, we are constantly tossed about by endlessly appearing and disappearing conditions and situations. This is the manifestation of ?I? and the separation of the world into self and other, ?I and you.? When we make ?I and you? we objectify this world and everything in it. My needs become most important, and I will use you and everything in this world to satisfy those needs. This creates the suffering world?the world of selfishness, hatred, killing, tribalism, racism, greed and delusion.

Zen Master Seung Sahn has taught us all the very simple but powerful solution to all this madness.

Only go straight?don?t know!

This means drop your ideas and concepts and see clearly, hear clearly.

Then the constantly changing, appearing and disappearing situations, conditions and relationships of our life are clear, untainted by our small-minded greed, anger and delusion.

Then: help this world.

Our function clearly appears. ?How may I help you?? This is not philosophy, it is action. Kwan Seum Bosal is the way. Don?t understand Kwan Seum Bosal, be Kwan Seum Bosal. Do it now and self-centeredness disappears and world peace appears.

An amazing thing is happening here today. A Chinese nun and an American layman are receiving dharma transmission. Until our generation and teachers like Zen Master Seung Sahn appeared, this was not possible. Because Zen Master Seung Sahn so clearly perceives this changing world, his teaching and Korean Buddhism have spread throughout the world. For this we are all eternally grateful.

[Raises Zen stick over head, then hits table with stick.]

A Chinese nun is an American layman.
An American layman is a Chinese nun.

[Raises Zen stick over head, then hits table with stick.]

No China, no nun.
No America, no layman.

[Raises Zen stick over head, then hits table with stick.]

A Chinese nun is a Chinese nun.
An American layman is an American layman.

Which one do you like?

KATZ!

The Chinese nun has a bright smile.
The American layman has finished his dharma speech.